Summary
In this episode of The Peter Atia Drive, Peter Atia interviews Navdeep Chandel, a professor of medicine and cell and molecular biology at Northwestern University. They discuss the role of mitochondria in cell biology and function, including the discovery of cytochrome C and its localization between the mitochondria and cytoplasm, and the release of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by mitochondria as a signaling molecule used by immune cells. They also discuss the mitochondria's role in signaling, including its role in physiological conditions such as exercise and immune response.
The conversation covers various topics related to apoptosis and mitochondrial function, including the discovery of a new form of cell death called "ferroptosis," the role of apoptosis in cancer, and the vulnerability of mitochondrial DNA to damage from free radicals. The conversation concludes with a discussion of the symbiotic relationship between archaea and alpha proteobacteria that gave rise to mitochondria.
The discussion also touches on the effects of metformin on the NAD to NADH ratio and its impact on glucose production, as well as the potential benefits of Metformin as a mild anti-inflammatory agent with anti-aging properties. The speakers also explore the idea that metabolites, specifically l2 hydroxy butyrate, could cause pathologies such as neurodegeneration and Alzheimer's disease, and the potential role of cortisol in metabolism.
Overall, the podcast covers a broad range of technical topics related to mitochondria and metabolism, but presents them in a way that is accessible to a general audience. The podcast also includes show notes for those interested in further reading on the topics discussed.
